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Focus on the facts in the Porter jets debate

The debate over whether to bring jets to the Billy Bishop Airport has been driven by fear, rumours, specious information and speculation.

It is not a forgone conclusion that the introduction of jets to the island airport would come at the expense of the waterfront, the community, the airport or the city, writes Geoffrey Wilson. (Colin McConnell / Toronto Star) | Order this photo

By Geoffrey A. Wilson

Tues., Feb. 18, 2014

Much has been written recently on Porter Airlines’ proposal to allow new-technology jets at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The debate over the proposal is indeed a complicated one. However, it is not a forgone conclusion that the introduction of these jets would come at the expense of the waterfront, the community, the airport or the city. I hold this view based upon the facts of the situation, and have concerns that these facts are being disregarded as debate on this issue continues.

For the most part the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) has stayed out of the jet debate. In recent weeks, at the request of city staff, the port authority has taken a more active role in analyzing the Porter proposal. The TPA has committed to the City of Toronto that we will share information, participate in consultations and answer questions about how Billy Bishop Airport currently operates, so that everyone has the facts and can consider the proposal within an informed and accurate framework.

My goal is simply to state the facts so people can base their decisions on the true state of affairs — rather than fear, rumours, specious information or speculation. According to a January 2014 Ipsos Reid poll, Torontonians support the jet proposal by 61 per cent to 35 per cent, which means this issue deserves our care and consideration.

First, despite reports to the contrary, Billy Bishop Airport has no aspirations to become an operation on the scale of an Ottawa International Airport. In fact, while almost every other airport in the world is working to grow bigger, Billy Bishop’s total noise footprint has been capped since 1983, which ensures the airport fits into our mixed-use waterfront. Further, as proof that the “Ottawa scale” isn’t the goal, the TPA has offered to implement annual local passenger caps to allow for whatever city-side infrastructure improvements would be needed as a result of the jet proposal.

Second, should city council approve the introduction of jets, the existing safeguards that have been in place for the community will remain.

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Here are the facts:

Billy Bishop Airport is a slot-restricted airport. In fact, it is the most capacity- and noise-restricted airport in North America today. Air Canada and Porter currently operate 202 commercial slots, and we believe the jet proposal would lead to better utilization of those slots. As there are currently no new slots available, the introduction of jets just means the existing slots will be better utilized.

Billy Bishop Airport operates a strict curfew. The airport is closed to private and commercial flights between 11 p.m. and 6:45 a.m. It has been this way for many years and it isn’t going to change. When the community sleeps, so does the airport. Unlike Pearson, which sends 155 commercial movements each night over the neighbourhoods of Midtown, Leaside, Don Mills, Etobicoke and North York, for example.

Ninety per cent of flight paths to Billy Bishop Airport are over water, causing minimal disruption to residents. Our initial review of the Porter proposal indicates that these flight paths will not change and new navigational technology will, in fact, not hamper the city’s development of condo and office buildings in the vicinity of the airport, if so desired. Further, there is no requirement to implement navigational light towers in the Toronto Harbour.

Much of the discourse over the Porter proposal hinges on the impact that jets will have on the waterfront. This is as it should be.

As a member of the waterfront community, the TPA’s role is to ensure that the airport’s operations fit into, and do not dominate, Toronto’s remarkable mixed-use waterfront. That’s why we are working with city council to make sure members have what they need to make an informed decision. Should a positive decision be rendered by council, the TPA will ensure completion of a full environmental assessment, preserved access for the private aviation and boating communities, maintained noise restrictions, increased use of shuttle and transit and improved vehicle traffic flows.

The airport is a success; 90 per cent of Torontonians call it “an asset,” and that success deserves to be embraced. But, as the airport’s operator, the TPA recognizes that we have to get this right, the Porter proposal can “Do No Harm,” and we have to ensure that Toronto’s mixed-use waterfront continues to thrive.

Geoffrey A. Wilson is President and CEO of the Toronto Port Authority.

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